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As the daughter of actor Michael Wong and former model Janet Ma, Kayla Wong is used to being in the spotlight with many labels to her name—chief among them a budding philanthropist and LGBT activist—but the label we’re focusing on now is Kayla Wong, the entrepreneur.
Kayla is the founder of ethical clothing company Basics for Basics, a platform which designs and sells ready-to-wear clothes. Although her business currently focuses on fashion, Kayla tells us why she’s hoping to turn it into a social enterprise down the road that helps bring like-minded people together.
In our latest edition of the Tatler 10, a column where we pose 10 questions to Hong Kong-based entrepreneurs about their businesses, we asked Kayla where she finds inspiration and the perks of running your own business.
What does Hong Kong mean to you?
I love that Hong Kong is where different cultures collide and where people constantly find inspiration—I find that the city is filled with a sense of adventure, which I love it’s what keeps me here.
Summarise your business in one sentence.
I graduated from fashion school and had no interest in becoming an actress nor did I have the height to model but I was always fascinated by the fashion industry. Last year, I launched Basics for Basics, an ethical clothing brand aligned with my own values, which are to promote equal and fair treatment to all.
See also: The Tatler 10: Harris Chan
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Getting our online shop up and running was quite a task that I’m proud of and we also recently started our rewards program with HandsOn Hong Kong.
What do you love most about running your own business?
I love the creative flexibility it offers and being able to think outside the box, there’s a sense of freedom that comes with running your own business that is easy to fall in love with.
What advice can you offer budding entrepreneurs?
I would say to take your time and not rush into things. There is so much to learn and entrepreneurs are constantly learning and businesses are always works in progress, so I think it’s important to really absorb as much as you can while you’re in the early stages of launching.
